How would you spend 235 points?

[kmk1180]

So in 2011 we are in the last year of a 3 year trial membership to the DVC that we won.
We had planned on doing a 2br at AKV and take our friends with us.
But now we have found out they are not going to go with us because he lost his job.
We just came back from our 2010 trip and found a 1 br is more than enough space for us.
We just stayed in a 1br at the Boardwalk with a Boardwalk view.
And our kids LOVED seeing the fireworks nightly.
And now wonder if the animals of AKV would hold the same interest.
So we are up in the air as where to stay.
Fireworks view again? which would be Boardwalk again or BLT?
or drop the view and stay longer somewhere else.
Or just stay in a studio or keep the 1br.
or still stay at AKV?
We do know we want to save enough points to stay 3 nights at Vero Beach also. Either 1 br or studio.

So if you had 235 points and your last chance to use them, where would you stay with a family of 4. two adults, 6 and 4 year old.
If it matters I should add we are planning on going in Oct of 2011 to see MNSSHP

By the way here's what we have used our points so far
2009 14th floor MK view CR
1 week in Cancun
2010 6 nights 1br Boardwalk with Boardwalk view.

 

[iloveokw]

I would use them at OKW and Vero...or a week at Hilton Head during the early summer---closest fireworks you will ever see.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

What season is your trip in and how many points will you have left after the Vero Beach portion? (BTW - if a studio is being considered at Vero then I'd book an OVIR room instead. )

For WDW maybe a 1BR value at AKV-Jambo? That will get you extra nights and may get you a view of animals from your room. If you don't get the Savanna view there are still lots of viewing areas around the lodge. And you'll still have more space and the kitchen and laundry.

 

[Buckeye Fan]

Since you've stayed at the Contemporary, and at Boardwalk, I'd consider AKV/Vero split. I'll be honest, I wasn't all that excited to have a savanna view, but when we stayed there, I found that all of us (me, DH, DS - 14, and DD 7) all loved it. We started naming the animals that hung out by our room!

I'm not a big fan of resort hopping (I feel like I can't completely settle, and lose time packing/moving), but you could do a split among Vero, AKV and either SSR or OKW. I dearly love SSR and OKW, because I like the condo-style resorts. This would give you a flavor for what all of the DVCs have to offer. VWL and BLT offer you everything by MK, BCV and BWV highlight the BW area, AKV the animals, and SSR and OKW put you by DTD.

Lastly, I would decide on what's more important...the length of stay or the experience. AKV savanna view is going to cost some points, where a room at OKW (and to some extent SSR) will be much cheaper. OKW has HUGE rooms and is just peaceful.

Have fun planning, and congrats on winning 3 years worth of vacations! Based on where you've been, it looks like you guys have really taken advantage of your membership and had a ball!

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

What's a 3 year trial membership?

 

[dianeschlicht]

I'd vote for AKV savanna view with a few days at Vero before. Do you have the option of buying the contract at the end of the 3 years?

 

[Sandisw]

What's a 3 year trial membership?

I believe I read that she won it as a prize in a contest.

 

[Crystal_27]

If it were me, I'd use those points towards a Disney cruise. I know that cruising isn't the best way to use points (and likely you would have some cash outlay) but it looks like you've had some great vacations with DVC already...why not add a cruise to the mix? Either way, have fun with your decision and, just out of curiousity, will you be buying DVC directly once the trial membership expires?

 

[Alexander]

If it were me, I'd use those points towards a Disney cruise. I know that cruising isn't the best way to use points (and likely you would have some cash outlay) but it looks like you've had some great vacations with DVC already...why not add a cruise to the mix? Either way, have fun with your decision and, just out of curiousity, will you be buying DVC directly once the trial membership expires?

235 points won't go very far with a cruise!

 

[Geezer]

235 points won't go very far with a cruise!

I agree, and since you really haven't stayed at a DVC resort yet, I'd definitely do the AKV option.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I agree, and since you really haven't stayed at a DVC resort yet, I'd definitely do the AKV option.

Actually, they have stayed at BWV. I do think AKV would be the best option though

 

[BEASLYBOO]

I would try for any other DVC resort I hadn't had the opportunity to try, BLT/AKV/OKW/WLV! For Disney change of pace, you could try HH or Vero if like the beach. As far as AKY, I love to watch the animals in the mroning while having coffee and DS(13) who's an early risers loves it as well. However, I've been w/ many people/children who love it on the 1st day and could care less about it the next, sleep is more important. To each his own!

Good luck and have fun no matter where you end up!

 

[ibela]

If it were me, I'd use those points towards a Disney cruise. I know that cruising isn't the best way to use points (and likely you would have some cash outlay) but it looks like you've had some great vacations with DVC already...why not add a cruise to the mix? Either way, have fun with your decision and, just out of curiousity, will you be buying DVC directly once the trial membership expires?

I agree! We love Disney cruises. You can look into a short cruise or can even use the points for adults and pay the cash fee for your kids. It'll be a great vacation and for a fraction of what it'd cost you without the points, if anything.

 

[dis-happy]

I'd go longer in the 1 b/r and do a split stay.